2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R06.6Hiccough

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R00-R09›R06

ICD-10-CM R06.6
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R06.6 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for hiccough. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. Coders also document this condition as chronic hiccup. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Respiratory signs and symptoms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R06.6
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Hiccough
Short Description
Hiccough
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R06
Abnormalities of breathing

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR00-R09Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
CategoryR06Abnormalities of breathing
This CodeR06.6Hiccough

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Chronic hiccup
  • Diaphragmatic tonic spasm
  • Finding of movement of thorax
  • Hiccough present
  • Hiccoughs
  • Spasm of skeletal muscle of thorax

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

  • psychogenic hiccough F45.8

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Hiccup, hiccough
    • Singultus
    • Spasm(s), spastic, spasticity
      • diaphragm (reflex)

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SYM013
Respiratory signs and symptoms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Hiccups

Have you ever wondered what is happening when you hiccup? There are two parts to a hiccup. The first is an involuntary movement of your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle at the base of your lungs. It is the main muscle used for breathing. The second part of a hiccup is a quick closing of your vocal cords.

The full article covers:

  • What are hiccups?
  • What causes hiccups?
  • How can I get rid of hiccups?
  • What are the treatments for chronic hiccups?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert R06.6 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
786.8 Hiccough
Exact Match The mapping is direct, with no qualifiers.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R06.6Overview

Is R06.6 (Abnormalities of breathing) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report hiccough on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Can R06.6 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the hiccough is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R06.6?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, hiccough converts to ICD-9-CM 786.8 (hiccough). The mapping is a direct match.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.